Page 504 - the-iliad

herself against Leto; she said Leto had borne two children
only, whereas she had herself borne many—whereon the
two killed the many. Nine days did they lie weltering, and
there was none to bury them, for the son of Saturn turned
the people into stone; but on the tenth day the gods in heav-
en themselves buried them, and Niobe then took food, being
worn out with weeping. They say that somewhere among
the rocks on the mountain pastures of Sipylus, where the
nymphs live that haunt the river Achelous, there, they say,
she lives in stone and still nurses the sorrows sent upon her
by the hand of heaven. Therefore, noble sir, let us two now
take food; you can weep for your dear son hereafter as you
are bearing him back to Ilius—and many a tear will he cost
you.’
With this Achilles sprang from his seat and killed a sheep
of silvery whiteness, which his followers skinned and made
ready all in due order. They cut the meat carefully up into
smaller pieces, spitted them, and drew them off again when
they were well roasted. Automedon brought bread in fair
baskets and served it round the table, while Achilles dealt
out the meat, and they laid their hands on the good things
that were before them. As soon as they had had enough to
eat and drink, Priam, descendant of Dardanus, marvelled
at the strength and beauty of Achilles for he was as a god to
see, and Achilles marvelled at Priam as he listened to him
and looked upon his noble presence. When they had gazed
their fill Priam spoke first. ‘And now, O king,’ he said, ‘take
me to my couch that we may lie down and enjoy the blessed
boon of sleep. Never once have my eyes been closed from

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